The Water – Energy Nexus: A Marriage of Convenience

By:Charles Chindove

November 11, 2016

OUTLINE

The Concept

Water Systems Energy Needs

Energy Systems Water Needs

Vulnerability of Energy to Water Constraints

Concluding Remarks

The Water – Energy Nexus: A Marriage of Convenience

Water – Energy Nexus The relationship between the water used for energy production (primary energy and electricity production) and energy consumed to extract, purify, deliver, heat/cool and dispose of water 

All forms of energy production consumes water directly or Indirectlyand

Energy is needed access to water and make it usable

The Water – Energy Nexus: A Marriage of Convenience

Water Systems Energy Needs

Source: International Energy Agency

 

Source: United States Department of Energy (DOE)

Energy Systems Water Needs

The vulnerability of energy to water constraintsIndia (2012): Delayed Monsoon - Blackouts lasting several days and affecting over

600 million people.China (2011): Drought limited hydro generation along the Yangtze river resulting in electricity rationing.Vietnam and Philippines (2010): The El Niño weather phenomenon caused a drought - reducing hydro generation and causing electricity shortages.Southeast United States (2007): During a drought, the Tennessee Valley Authority curtailed hydro generation to conserve water and reduced output from nuclear and fossil fuel-based plants.Midwest United States (2006): A heat wave forced nuclear plants to reduce their output because of the high water temperature of the Mississippi River.France (2003): An extended heat wave forced Électricité de France (EDF) to curtail nuclear power output equivalent to the loss of 4-5 reactors, costing an estimated €300 million to import electricity.China (2008): Dozens of planned coal-to-liquids (CTL) projects were abandoned, due in part to concerns they would place heavy burdens on scare water resources. Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, U.S: Public concern about the potential environmental impacts of unconventional gas production (including on water) has prompted additional regulation and, in some jurisdictions, temporary moratoria or bans on hydraulic fracturing (IEA 2012).

Concluding Remarks

Water Energy Nexus trade-offs

Biofuels vrs. Water Security.

Electric Cars vrs. Water Security.

Current situation on Alternative Energy Subsidies – Impact of low oil and gas prices on alternative energy development.

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